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Honey, I'm on disability -- I hope that wasn't aimed at me. If you don't like big cities (meaning you can't cope with it) then just spit it out instead of gussing it up in a bunch of bs.My rent can't be much more than what you pay in a small town for a one bedroom.

I bring in $647 a month and $395 of that goes for rent.... And you?

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

Look, if anyone thinks having AIDS and being poor is any easier in the city versus living in the country, they are just flat out wrong. Each brings it's unique set of unfortunate challenges. Money and resources are finite in each situation.

Look, if anyone thinks having AIDS and being poor is any easier in the city versus living in the country, they are just flat out wrong. Each brings it's unique set of unfortunate challenges. Money and resources are finite in each situation.

I didn't say it was easier - but Miss P was insinuating HIV-funding for rural-areas should be CUT.

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

How many HIV+ people are in your rural county? How many are in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area? Seriously, I'm just curious.

Miss P, you know damn well that getting funding to rural areas cut would NOT increase it in the city. It was mean-spirited, nothing more.

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

Oh, I bring in substantially more than that, but I was that Fierce Manhattan Queenô with the fancy pants job in Soho making the big bucks...and yeah, I managed an entire high end design firm as CFO all with a big ole AIDS diagnosis. My disability claim was based on that income level, but I still had to move to a cheaper city when I went on disability. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. My rent is more than yours, but only a little -- and like I said I don't own a car -- do you? You neglected to mention your automotive costs.

As far as the $647 you bring in, well -- are you working or on the dole?

And by the way, I never once said AIDS service in rural areas should be cut so stop with your mendacious tediousness.

Careful who you call wealthy on here man. I think most of us are either temporarily or partially disabled and it screws your finances over big time. Just stop setting up the "us" vs "them" scenarios. No one is out to get you mister persecution complex.

Just that whatever formulary is used should take into account that living expenses in a rural area are cheaper. For example, why should the 350% of poverty level to qualify for ADAP in Pennsylvania (I think that's the current level, but that's not important) be the same for someone living in the Philadelphia metropolitan area as it would be for, oh... living in Altoona? I mean it's the same line of thinking that there are higher cut offs in Maryland than there are in Nebraska, am I right?

But aside from ADAP cut offs, I get tired of people who live in a county where there may be five HIV+ people and yet they yell and scream that they don't have an ASO, or that they have to drive 250 miles to see an HIV specialist. Well, then MOVE. I mean really, what do they expect? It's the same thing for any other "niche" disease one can get.

I Think it means what it says.....Rent, Food, Gas & Electricity, local Sale Tax, and the overall cost-of-livingit's not the same in every County, City or State, it is very different, as far as Rent go's , that is calculated by Fair-Market-Value, my Rent cost about $700 Dollars a month, but, back in California, that same square-footage would cost $1,200 month, you see, it's very different , I'm sure it even cost more in NYC, PHILLY, DC, and the like , and let's NOT forget about local sale tax, that varies too.........

« Last Edit: March 17, 2010, 12:09:07 PM by denb45 »

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"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

I Think it means what it says.....Rent, Food, Gas & Electricity, local Sale Tax, and the overall cost-of-livingit's not the same in every County, City or State, it can and is very different, as far as Rent go's , that is calculated by Fair-Market-Value, my Rent cost about 700 Dollars a month, but, back in California, that same square-footage would cost $1,200 month, you see, it's very different , I'm sure it even cost more in NYC, PHILLY, DC, and the like , and let's NOT forget about local sale tax, that varies too.........

The one bedroom that I live in ain't grand, but it's a good location on a subway line and just 3 stops from City Hall. I can walk downtown if I need to. I pay $550/month, no utilities included. Most similar units in this area (i.e. with newly renovated bathrooms/kitchens... which mine doesn't have) would be about $850 or so. Right downtown it would be $1000 I think.

It's a fairly good size one bedroom -- it's not a studio efficiency. I think it might be like 700 sq/ft but I've not measured it. In Brooklyn this would easily cost $1500/mo and probably $2500 in Manhattan.

But whatever, I moved to Philly because of all the northeast cities (DC, Baltimore, NYC, Boston) it's by far the most affordable, and doable for someone who doesn't own a car (I have a license, I just don't like the extra expense of owning a car, plus I'm an envirotard).

Due to the amount of SSDI I receive, I do not qualify for any other programs aside from ADAP. None. I pay my rent, utilities and food costs all from my SSDI. I don't get food stamps like most of the rest of you, nor do I get any rental assistance.

But the bottom line is that I made the choice to relocate to a place with a large selection of highly qualified HIV specialists, with top notch hospitals and university related medical programs, as well as resources for clinical trials. Everyone here knows my HIV is in the "advanced" tier, so I need these things. But my point is that each and every person has the ability to relocate just like I did. You don't have to sit back in rural Georgia and complain that you have one doctor and they got their medical degree from the Barbizon Modeling School. Sorry, but that just doesn't cut it.

Due to the amount of SSDI I receive, I do not qualify for any other programs aside from ADAP. None. I pay my rent, utilities and food costs all from my SSDI. I don't get food stamps like most of the rest of you, nor do I get any rental assistance.

Me too Miss P, I don't get any other benefits other than ADAP & Ryan White, I do not qualify for anything else, but, I live with someone else in a 2 1/2 bedroom with my other half, and he makes the same amount of SSDI as I do, he doesn't have a car, but I do, and we split everything down to 50 to 50, so that works, if I lived alone, I would really have to downsize almost everything, if i didn't I wouldn't be able to live like I do now.....

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"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Yeah, that's the other thing with Miss P -- she's a spinster and does all of this on her own lonesome (except when fuckbuddies like Carlos spill poppers over expensive books that I only own from that long ago era when I made a high salary...)

My only "cushion" so to speak is some hidden money that I got when my grandmother passed away five years ago, but I spent half of it getting set up in this apartment, and I'm going to have to dip in it again to buy a new computer because the one I have right now is pushing on five years.

There's enough room here if I ever had a boyfriend, and yes it would save me a tidy sum of around ~$500/mo and I could use it to go out to fancy romantic dinners and trips with Mr. Right... but alas, that Rightness never seems to ring the door bell. These days any trips I take are a cheap Greyhound to NYC where I have free places to crash, or trips with Mom and Dad.

Well, you don't really need someone to live with you, seems like you got that under control...I don't think I make quite as much SSDI as you do tho, I worked in Calif. which was good enough to secure a decent SSDI income, but you worked in NYC, so, there is quite a bit of difference but not by that much at allHey, you gotta do what you can do, so, don't feel to bad about replacing that old PC, they are a lot faster now, better, and a lot cheaper too I haven't lived alone for the last 15 yrs. but I often think about it a lot, just me and my Cat, living VERY modestly and happy enjoying the single life, I can't say that I envy yoursingle life, but, I do dream about it tho

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"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Oh, I bring in substantially more than that, but I was that Fierce Manhattan Queenô with the fancy pants job in Soho making the big bucks...and yeah, I managed an entire high end design firm as CFO all with a big ole AIDS diagnosis. My disability claim was based on that income level, but I still had to move to a cheaper city when I went on disability. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. My rent is more than yours, but only a little -- and like I said I don't own a car -- do you? You neglected to mention your automotive costs. As far as the $647 you bring in, well -- are you working or on the dole?

And by the way, I never once said AIDS service in rural areas should be cut so stop with your mendacious tediousness.

I figured yours was quite a bit more... Just a hunch.I don't own a car, but my other-half does.. Insurance is about $269 every six months.

You might not have outright said it, but you sure insinuated it..

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

Careful who you call wealthy on here man. I think most of us are either temporarily or partially disabled and it screws your finances over big time. Just stop setting up the "us" vs "them" scenarios. No one is out to get you mister persecution complex.

It's not "us" vs. "them" at all, but you & Miss P have been tag-teaming on me since I started here - and you'll get away with it, no matter what you say, insinuate or who you insult & call names. At least when Matty jumps someone's hide he usually has a reason. Now since I responded to her insinuation rural funding should be cut, you are jumping in. Hmmmm....

You don't have to sit back in rural Georgia and complain that you have one doctor and they got their medical degree from the Barbizon Modeling School. Sorry, but that just doesn't cut it.

Yep, everyone in rural Georgia is hicks and idiots ... Go on, get your stereotype on... Actually, I have one of the best doctors in the region - but I can guarantee he doesn't need the funding pulled-out from under him. And that was your insinuation..

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

I don't think it's bitter to raise a point when someone insinuates rural-funding should be cut and that will somehow increase funding to urban areas.

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

If you ask me the cut-offs shouldn't be done state by state -- they should be done by an urban/rural formula.

Show me how I purposely misconstrued this statement please.

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

And you really aren't anything but a bitter, cynical **** out to see how much you can insult & degrade others before you shuffle off this mortal coil because of your own misery and loneliness.... And personally, I'd like to know the source for your figures because your logic doesn't jive with reality.

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

Of course there is -- some people actually once worked for a living, and I don't mean a drive through at Wendy's.

There you go Miss P. You don't know what you're talking about. Do you know that if you don't pay into SS two years before filing for SSDI you are not qualified. I've worked since I was 16 and paid into SS but the last two years before I was sick my employment didn't take out SS and it disqualifies you and paying into SS for 34 years doesn't qualify. I will however qualify for my SS when and if I make it to age.

I'm glad someone said it - "her" self-importance is rather nauseating.. Apparently the working-class are less than human to "her". I've done everything from owning my own business to working for AOL as an IT-specialist to the aforementioned "flipping burgers" - and none of it made me less of a human-being just because it had a lower pay-scale. Now (hopefully) we can get back to the problem in SC...

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

There you go Miss P. You don't know what you're talking about. Do you know that if you don't pay into SS two years before filing for SSDI you are not qualified. I've worked since I was 16 and paid into SS but the last two years before I was sick my employment didn't take out SS and it disqualifies you and paying into SS for 34 years doesn't qualify. I will however qualify for my SS when and if I make it to age.

Yeah, I know they base it on the last 2-3 years of what you paid into SS. Can't say it's my fault you didn't look at your check stubs to see that payroll was making a mistake, now can I? As the CFO where I worked I do have a bit of a handle on how stuff like this works. Plus those last couple of years I'd gotten a hefty raise so that pumped my SSDI up high, plus salaries are high in Manhattan to begin with.

And guess what honey, this queen worked since around the age of 14 though it was off the books at that time since it wasn't technically legal to be working. Lazy is one thing I never was in terms of employment, so you can pimp your cause elsewhere Roddles. I'm sorry, however, that you got screwed by your employer, but I can't imagine not noticing that it was happening. Don't you have any legal case regarding that or did you already pursue it?

I'm glad someone said it - "her" self-importance is rather nauseating.. Apparently the working-class are less than human to "her". I've done everything from owning my own business to working for AOL as an IT-specialist to the aforementioned "flipping burgers" - and none of it made me less of a human-being just because it had a lower pay-scale. Now (hopefully) we can get back to the problem in SC...

Since when did I morph into a trust fund baby? Just because I earned more money than you, and have multiple college degrees, is no reason for you to resort to your typical web forum bitterness with me. If I didn't know better I might assume you don't like me.

Since when did I morph into a trust fund baby? Just because I earned more money than you, and have multiple college degrees, is no reason for you to resort to your typical web forum bitterness with me. If I didn't know better I might assume you don't like me.

I have multiple degrees also - in fields ranging from Broadcasting to Psychology to Computer Programming and Systems Technology. Personally, I really could not care less how much money you made - it's your attitude that's grating. And it's not that I don't like you - honestly, I don't grant you enough importance to really matter to me. Now, how about we get back to discussing the OP's problems?

What "figures", sweetheart? Be specific. And as far as logic goes I highly doubt you know what the word means.

Your poverty per area figures... And to satisfy your smugness - logic is a system of reasoning , as in a structure of propositions distinguished from their content in measure of deductive reasoning ability. To borrow and paraphrase an ol' Rocky Horror audience-participation line, "something you'll only read about." Now, can you get off your high-horse long enough to attempt to come up with some positive advice for the situation?

Brownbear, We won't be discussing SC here, that's the other thread. You OK man?

Sorry, I mixed them up in the heat of the attempt...

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.

There you go Miss P. You don't know what you're talking about. Do you know that if you don't pay into SS two years before filing for SSDI you are not qualified. I've worked since I was 16 and paid into SS but the last two years before I was sick my employment didn't take out SS and it disqualifies you and paying into SS for 34 years doesn't qualify. I will however qualify for my SS when and if I make it to age.

Apologies to Karl for the continued hijack, but the above info does not sound correct and if this is what you were told you may want to look into filing an appeal.

In general Social Security disability requires that you have worked recently, which they define as working and paying social security taxes in 5 of the last 10 years. (Technically you need 20 "Quarters of Coverage" where you earned at least a certain minimum amount and paid the required social security taxes) You must also have contributed for a minimum duration which varies by age but is generally less than 10 years.

There are ramp up rules for young people (under age 31) for whom 5 of the last 10 might be difficult to meet.

A simplified explanation of the rules is at: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html

Have you considered living in the Greater Atlanta Metro area, it is very possible that at your income levelthat you may qualify for a lot more services that you wouldn't other wise get.......just saying are you anywhere near the Atlanta area?

« Last Edit: March 17, 2010, 06:54:21 PM by denb45 »

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"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Have you considered living in the Greater Atlanta Metro area, it is very possible that at your income levelthat you may qualify for a lot more services that you wouldn't other wise get.......just saying are you anywhere near the Atlanta area?

$600 a month isn't very much to live on, I wouldn't be able to do it, hell, I'd be crying too however, I'm sure there are many others on this forum who somehow make do, with what little they do have to live on

« Last Edit: March 17, 2010, 08:23:23 PM by denb45 »

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"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

$600 a month isn't very much to live on, I wouldn't be able to do it, hell, I'd be crying too however, I'm sure there are many others on this forum who somehow make do, with what little they do have to live on

No, I was meaning more the fact that he says there's no ASO and only one HIV specialist where he lives, or something like that. I can't speak to his income as when I read his bio it doesn't sound like he's on disability for HIV, just perhaps unemployed? Maybe he can clear this up for all of us.

we could probably start a whole new thread about poverty, and how to live on less than $100 after housing and utilities.

I spent 3 years repaying SS and only getting about $500 a month SSD (losing two homes because of that too) and I'm marking it a year this month being back up by nearly a third to $750. With that increase, and being a yr off cigs, I've been a rich man this year. ROFL back when I had a pet store I would have never imagined that I could live on less than $9000 a yr, much less feel like I was really "rich" having that much money in a year. LOL (although I have taken a hit by SC paying out only half the federal food stamp amount.)

Looking back, Carl, maybe this explains why that case worker said you were "rich". You bring in almost twice what some of us have each month. By the way, did you contact the health dpt this week? Get any results or excuses?

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leatherman (aka mIkIE)

All the stars are flashing high above the seaand the party is on fire around you and meWe're gonna burn this disco down before the morning comes- Pet Shop Boys chart from 1992-2015Isentress/Prezcobix

No, I was meaning more the fact that he says there's no ASO and only one HIV specialist where he lives, or something like that. I can't speak to his income as when I read his bio it doesn't sound like he's on disability for HIV, just perhaps unemployed? Maybe he can clear this up for all of us.

I remember when I was on State-Disability before my SSDI kicked-in, I made like $432 a week back in 1998, and that was the MAX I could get in California back then, and that was almost 12 yrs ago, when I got sick, and had 90-t-cells and severe amounts of diarrhea, along with a lot of Trush......I was SICK it didn't match my monthly income, before, but, it was enough to at least live on......

« Last Edit: March 17, 2010, 09:12:55 PM by denb45 »

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"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Wow! This communication, from clearly two bitchy and unhappy people, makes it very clear why I rarely sign in. You guys make it very uncomfortable to post or ask anything on this site, except for the above. Move on with your drama.

Have you considered living in the Greater Atlanta Metro area, it is very possible that at your income levelthat you may qualify for a lot more services that you wouldn't other wise get.......just saying are you anywhere near the Atlanta area?

Actually, I wouldn't be able to afford to live there - the time that I did live there the $647 I bring in now would only cover the rent on a place, not living expenses or utilities - not to mention food. I don't bring in enough. Although I do have one of the best doctors in Georgia and a decent clinic don't really want to give that up just to live in Atlanta. While they do have more programs, more isn't necessarily better.

No, I was meaning more the fact that he says there's no ASO and only one HIV specialist where he lives, or something like that. I can't speak to his income as when I read his bio it doesn't sound like he's on disability for HIV, just perhaps unemployed? Maybe he can clear this up for all of us.

Nope, not unemployed... I never have been, except for a short while after one place I worked for "downsized" and I became homeless shortly after. Like you, I have been working since I was 14 (although, also like you, "off the books" for legal reasons). I am on disability now as my health went downhill after PCP.

I'm not the one crying - I never stated that I wanted to live there, just that I was unable to financially by a long shot. Actually, I'm about an hour & a half away from Atlanta.... And really do not wish to live closer to it. Believe it or not, I have one of the best HIV doctors in the state and do not want to give that up just to live in a city. That would be really silly.

Wow! This communication, from clearly two bitchy and unhappy people, makes it very clear why I rarely sign in. You guys make it very uncomfortable to post or ask anything on this site, except for the above. Move on with your drama.

I'm just responding to "her"..... but I regret you're experiencing the same thing I saw at my introduction to this site. Unfortunately, I have found this is typical of "her" posts. Apologies to you (and the rest of you) for the part I played in it - all of this started because "she" was proposing rural areas get their funding pulled to favor urban areas. At some point hopefully "she'll" let it drop and we can get back to the OP.

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It's all a sham. Politics is a big game, same as the media - and same as religion. The point is to distract & control. If we're looking at what they tell us is the "big issue", we're not looking at what they are doing. In time, there will be different causes and different minorities to pick-on. All in the name of keeping the system going, and the people distracted.